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written by Butch Dado
Stalked by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado

I am considering undertaking a personal experiment which, if successful, would simplify my existence considerably.

It’s nothing earthshaking or revolutionary, but will make for a very interesting year of my life. For one entire year, I will source all my material needs for goods from one, and only one, place. Obviously, my spiritual and emotional sustenance will be provided for by family and church. But for the nourishment of my earthly body and other creature comforts, I will rely on a single source. And that would be the SM Hypermarket, a Philippines Supermarket located in Pasig City.

Would it be possible to spend an entire year without buying anything except what can be found in SM Hypermarket ? I believe so. It has everything I could conceivably need, from electronic gadgets to underwear.

The rules of the experiment will be simple. Nothing can be bought outside the hypermarket, except necessary goods or services (like specific medicines) which are not on the shelves. Even those must be within easy walking distance of the hypermarket. I want a one-stop shopping experience every week for one whole year and not feel deprived or bored.

I’m from the “shopping-should-be -an-adventure” school of purchasing. There has to be something new to discover every time. Lately, my weekly trip to the grocery store has become a pleasant romp at the SM Supercenter at Tiendesitas at the corner of Ortigas Avenue and C-5 Road. Parking is spacious and free. As far as variety and novelty of goods are concerned, I have not been disappointed.

SM has created the definitive department store and supermarket combine, which is what a hypermarket is. This saves time which, for the busy urbanite, is more valuable than gold. This saves money; hypermarkets, because of their high-volume, low-margin sales, are supposed to deliver more bang for the buck.

First I check out the CDs, just to put myself in the proper mood. Then I move briskly through the appliances and furniture section to see if there are any interesting items since my last visit. Then on to the dry goods department to check out the clothes and accessories. I’m no fashionista, but there are items which to me are indispensable. For instance, I wear barongs to work and am always on the lookout for a nice piece or two to add to my wardrobe. Lo and behold, SM Hypermarket has a pretty good selection of barongs in the material and cut I like.

I then proceed to the most important purchases for the real VIPs in our home: our dog, and our two fastidious felines. Anxious owners will find an entire row of pet stuff to pamper their four-legged wards.

Shopping then begins in earnest. Its worthwhile to check out the items on sale or bundled at a special price. Bonus, the house brand, guarantees bargains all the time.

The most enjoyable areas for me are the fresh produce and the meat and seafoods section. Here is a chance to educate myself on the finer points of choosing the right ingredients for a special dish I want to prepare for the weekend. The family wants paella? Everything I need is here, from live shrimps to sausages from the deli section. Choice meat cuts are plentiful and reasonably priced, considering the freshness and quality. The frozen and processed food sections are also a must-see. There are fishballs, squidballs and other tasty morsels in a counter devoted solely to hot pot (shabu-shabu, the legit kind) ingredients. A favorite is the delectable ready-to-cook chicken pandan sold by the piece, nuggets of marinated chicken wrapped in fragrant pandan leaves.

The staff are helpful and will honestly answer your questions on the quality of the available produce. At the fruit section, I banter with the salespersons, who consider me a suki. They point out the finds of the day. Libre tikim pa on some items, just like the good old days.

There are freebies all over the place, as various food manufacturers have food-tasting promos. In a corner of the veggie section is a counter where one can get a cup of free instant coffee to perk up the flagging shopper.

There may be long queue at the check-out counters during peak shopping hours and weekends. Thoughtfully, there are “traffic-control” personnel who will direct your shopping cart to the shortest lines.

With my groaning cart of groceries, I then head for the Rotisserie to check out the ready-to-eat dishes. I usually pick up some sushi and a roast chicken, perfect for a tasty, a no-hassle meal to bring home.

Mini stalls just also sell regional Philippine delicacies and special dishes. This is for those who crave home-cooked eats like lola used to make or more exotic viands. I espied in one of the stalls a pot of stingray (pagi in the vernacular) stewed in coconut milk with chilies, a yummy spicy dish from Bicol. That I can get this rare fare at the SM Hypermarket was certainly a nice surprise.

Check out the fast-food area, Taste of Asia, where fresh seafood fare cooked to the diners’ specifications. This is where I found the tastiest Chinese lumpia outside Binondo, a treat for veggie lovers.

Did I mention donuts ? For me, shopping requires a donut or two eaten at the right time. I can start with a donut or end with a donut. SM Hypermarket has its own bakeshop stocked with freshly-baked goodies. Or head for the Go Nuts Donuts outlet.

In line with the rules, all other necessities will have to be found nearby. I can get medicines in Watson’s. For hardware and stuff for home improvement, Ace is the place. There’s even a barbershop.

What’s the point of this experiment, you say ? Well, as I mentioned I want to simplify my life. And while I’m a creature of habit, I also want adventure. I’m comfortable with routine but need new experiences. I expect SM Hypermarket to provide these and more. I’m headed there now.

Be updated and interact with SM Hypermarket through their blog.
View Photos of our Shopping Adventure at SM Hypermarket

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